Local News Matters Podcast

31/10/2024

🚀 Episode 45 of Local News Matters Podcast with the authors of “Reviving Rural News” is out.

Teri Finneman (KU William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications), Nick Mathews (Missouri School of Journalism) and Pat Ferrucci (CU Boulder College of Media, Communication and Information) talk with host Tim Regan-Porter about the unique challenges facing rural newspapers in the wake of the local news industry's financial crisis. They discuss their yearlong experiment with a Kansas newspaper, offering insights into how small community-based outlets can diversify revenue streams and reconnect with their readers. The conversation highlights the disconnect between traditional business models and the needs of both rural publishers and their audiences.

The guests also touch on the psychological and organizational barriers that hinder innovation in local newsrooms. From reluctance to explore new revenue sources like philanthropy to the ongoing devaluation of journalism, they offer candid perspectives on why rural news must evolve to survive. Key takeaways include lessons on pricing, the power of e-newsletters and the role of newspapers as vital community institutions.

With practical examples from their case study in Kansas, the discussion reveals how local publishers can take small but significant steps to adapt their business models and better serve their communities.

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23/10/2024

🚀 Episode 44 of Local News Matters Podcast with Nicholas Dawes of THE CITY NY is out.

The executive director of THE CITY talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about the vital role the outlet plays in New York’s shrinking local news ecosystem. He explains how his organization fills coverage gaps left by retrenching legacy media, focusing on investigative reporting and service journalism to meet the needs of New Yorkers across all boroughs.

Dawes also delves into THE CITY’s unique strategies for community engagement, including open newsrooms and dynamic beat assignments, allowing them to stay responsive to the city's most pressing issues. He highlights how their mission-driven approach prioritizes impact over viral traffic, balancing coverage for both affluent media-savvy readers and underserved communities.

On the business side, Dawes shares insights on nonprofit journalism’s financial sustainability, from leveraging philanthropy and membership to navigating New York’s competitive fundraising environment. He reflects on his transition from large global organizations to a leaner, more focused newsroom, where the immediacy of local impact offers both challenges and rewards.

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16/10/2024

🚀 Episode 43 of Local News Matters Podcast with Allison Taylor Levine of Delaware Local Journalism Initiative is out.

The founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about building a nonprofit collaborative newsroom and the importance of local news to democracy. She discusses the challenges of launching the initiative in Delaware, from creating internship programs to fostering collaboration among local newsrooms. Levine highlights how Spotlight Delaware, LJI’s flagship project, focuses on policy coverage and public engagement to fill critical gaps in the local news ecosystem.

Levine also explores the role of community foundations in supporting journalism, explaining how these institutions can serve as partners, not just funders. She offers practical advice for newsrooms looking to collaborate with community foundations, outlining the importance of understanding their unique funding models and leveraging their strengths as conveners.

In addition to discussing the financial sustainability of nonprofit journalism, Levine dives into innovative revenue models like mission-aligned sponsored content. With her background in journalism, marketing, and philanthropy, she explains how storytelling and community engagement are central to the success of local news organizations.

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09/10/2024

🚀 Episode 42 of Local News Matters Podcast with Crystal Good of Black By God The West Virginian is out.

The founder and publisher of Black by God talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about her journey from poet and advocate to media entrepreneur, building a publication that centers on Black voices and stories in Central Appalachia. She shares her approach to rural journalism, blending reported news, features and community writing to serve a population often overlooked by traditional media. Crystal also delves into the challenges and opportunities of creating a sustainable revenue model for a local news outlet.

As she talks through her vision, Crystal emphasizes the importance of preserving authentic voices, building trust with readers and fostering community participation. Her unique “folk reporters” program empowers citizen journalists to cover civic issues and public meetings. Crystal also shares her plans to leverage technology to amplify Black stories in the region and highlights the need for Black joy in media coverage.

The conversation covers the broader landscape of rural BIPOC communities, West Virginia’s interaction with national politics, and how a background in poetry influences Crystal’s storytelling approach. With a mission to build community, inspire action and reflect the diverse reality of Appalachia, Crystal is redefining what local news can be.

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03/10/2024

🚀 Episode 41 of Local News Matters Podcast with Lisa Snowden of Baltimore Beat is out.

The co-founder and editor-in-chief of Baltimore Beat talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about her journey from being a reporter to running a Black-led newsroom dedicated to covering Baltimore’s diverse communities. She discusses the challenges and opportunities of sustaining a nonprofit news outlet, even one supported by a seven-figure donation that helped stabilize the Beat after its initial struggles as a for-profit venture. Lisa emphasizes the importance of intentional, community-centered journalism that aims to elevate underrepresented voices and provide a nuanced perspective on Baltimore’s complex social issues.

She also delves into the dynamics of diversity within newsrooms, the need to foster an inclusive environment, and the unique challenges Black-led media face in navigating networks of power. Lisa highlights the Baltimore Beat’s approach to journalism as a means of empowering residents through trustworthy storytelling and tangible community engagement, such as the Beat Box initiative distributing both newspapers and essential goods.

With reflections on the current state of local news, Lisa offers insights into maintaining sustainable and impactful reporting amidst an ever-changing media landscape, particularly for underserved audiences.

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01/10/2024

🚀 Episode 40 of Local News Matters Podcast with Karen Rundlet of Institute for Nonprofit News is out.

Karen talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about the increasing importance of philanthropy in sustaining local journalism. She shares insights from her time at Knight Foundation, where she helped launch initiatives like NewsMatch and Press Forward, and explores how nonprofit newsrooms can diversify revenue streams to build sustainable operations. Rundlet emphasizes that supporting an informed public, not just journalism, is critical in today’s landscape.

She also highlights the role of local news in fostering community connection, touching on how INN members are covering vital issues like municipal government, education and culture. Rundlet discusses the importance of engaging local funders and ensuring that newsrooms help solve community problems by being transparent, impactful and connected.

Rundlet reflects on the future of local news, from addressing news avoidance to ensuring transparency in funding. She explores how organizations can focus on accountability, co-design content with their communities and maintain mental health and sustainability for both leaders and journalists.

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16/09/2024

: In Episode 36 of Local News Matters Podcast, Jay Rosen challenges traditional election reporting. Could engaging communities on their real concerns lead to stronger democracy? 🗳️

🌍 “... any kind of campaign coverage that grounds election journalism in an observable world is better.

When people are talking about and arguing about something concrete in their environment, like, ‘Jeez, that bridge collapsed, and we need to fix that.’ Or ‘How can we have better schools?’ Or, ‘Our kids are afraid of being shot. What are we gonna do about that?’ Or, ‘How do we know how to persuade our young people to stay in town as opposed to leave or elsewhere? How do we restore local businesses?’

I think questions like that are grounding in a very important way, and they're they allow people to kind of get their bearings in a real world. And I think that's what election coverage should be."

Jay Rosen, a prominent media theorist and professor of journalism at New York University, discusses the critical role of local election coverage and the Citizens Agenda model as an alternative to the traditional horse race approach. He emphasizes the need for local journalists to ground election cov...

15/09/2024

Tips from Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Local News Matters Podcast Episode 37):

"...we gotta make space for people to take care of themselves as humans. A real simple thing is—you know, I go to therapy.... We encourage people to schedule their therapy appointments during the day....

We have an unlimited paid time off policy.... We've done a lot of different things with our staff. We've done trauma-informed psychoeducation courses.... And just ... making space for conversations that need to happen."

Jean Friedman-Rudovsky, executive director of Resolve Philly, delves into the evolution of the nonprofit newsroom and its mission to address the information needs of underserved communities in Philadelphia. She discusses the critical role of equity in journalism, sharing how Resolve Philly has integ...

13/09/2024

📚 Media recommendations from Candice Fortman (Local News Matters Podcast Episode 38):

* She Has A Name podcast (Truth Be Told with Tonya Mosley)

* The Nonprofit Hospital That Makes Millions, Owns a Collection Agency and Relentlessly Sues the Poor” by Wendi C. Thomas (MLK50/ProPublica)

* Renaissance by Beyoncé

* Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

* Amazing Grace by Aretha Franklin

Candice Fortman, former executive director of Outlier Media, shares her journey transforming local journalism in Detroit. She reflects on the innovative service journalism model she helped build, which focuses on filling critical information gaps for underserved communities. Candice discusses how Ou...

12/09/2024

🚀Episode 39 of Local News Matters Podcast with Jim Brady of Knight Foundation is out.

The vice president of journalism at Knight Foundation talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about the current state of local journalism and the quest for sustainability. He discusses Press Forward, a $500 million-plus national initiative aimed at supporting local news. Drawing on his extensive experience in digital media, Jim reflects on the challenges and opportunities facing local news outlets today, with an optimistic view of how new technologies and business models can help them thrive.

He also emphasizes the role of philanthropy in creating a stronger, more resilient local news ecosystem. From increasing audience engagement to reducing operational costs, Jim explores how local journalism can adapt to the evolving media landscape. He also touches on the importance of rebuilding trust with audiences and the need to reconnect local news with community needs.

Throughout the conversation, Jim highlights how local news plays a vital role in a functioning democracy, advocating for a collective effort to ensure its future. Whether through innovative startups or legacy media adapting to new realities, the future of local journalism hinges on collaboration and creativity.

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05/09/2024

🚀 Episode 38 of Local News Matters is out, an exit interview with Candice Fortman, formerly of Outlier Media (now a John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships fellow).

The former executive director of Outlier Media talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about her journey transforming local journalism in Detroit. She reflects on the innovative service journalism model she helped build, which focuses on filling critical information gaps for underserved communities. Candice discusses how Outlier evolved from a scrappy startup into a well-respected newsroom known for directly addressing residents’ needs through text messaging and other community-centered approaches.

Candice offers insights into the challenges of scaling and funding local journalism, particularly in economically struggling areas like Detroit. She also reflects on her leadership growth, her partnership with Outlier’s founder Sarah Alvarez, and how they navigated the impact of COVID-19 on local news. Looking ahead, Candice talks about her excitement for new opportunities and her commitment to telling stories that matter to local communities.

Listeners will find inspiration in Candice’s vision of journalism as a public good and her advice for newsrooms that want to make a lasting impact through deep community engagement.

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28/08/2024

🚀 Episode 37 of Local News Matters Podcast with Jean Friedman-Rudovsky of Resolve Philly is out.

The executive director of the nonprofit newsroom talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about the organisation's evolution and its mission to address the information needs of underserved communities in Philadelphia. She discusses the critical role of equity in journalism, sharing how Resolve Philly has integrated this principle into both its internal practices and editorial work. Jean also highlights the power of collaboration in local news, offering insights into how Resolve Philly has effectively partnered with other newsrooms to tackle issues like reentry and poverty.

Additionally, Jean explores the importance of community engagement and participatory journalism, describing how Resolve Philly involves residents in the news creation process. She provides practical advice for newsrooms looking to incorporate these elements, even with limited resources. Jean also touches on the strategic decisions behind funding, emphasizing the need for diverse revenue streams and the importance of avoiding competition with partner newsrooms.

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11/07/2024

🚀 Episode 35 of Local News Matters Podcast—an exit interview with Sue Cross, formerly of the Institute for Nonprofit News—is out.

Sue shares her insights on the remarkable growth and impact of nonprofit news. She highlights the evolving landscape of newsroom founders, the crucial role of community support, and strategies to maintain journalistic independence from funders.

Sue also addresses the challenges of scaling and funding newsrooms in underserved communities, the necessity for national news to be informed by local stories, and the complexities involved in converting from for-profit to nonprofit models. Her reflections offer valuable insights into sustaining local journalism and fostering innovation within the nonprofit sector.

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Tim Regan-Porter

17/06/2024

🚀 Episode 33 of Local News Matters Podcast with Amy L. Kovac-Ashley of Tiny News Collective is out!

In this episode, Amy Kovac-Ashley talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about how Tiny News Collective supports early-stage news founders, particularly those from traditionally excluded communities, by providing resources, tools, and a supportive community.

The discussion covers the importance of diverse voices in local journalism, the challenges facing local news startups, and the innovative ways they can engage with their audiences. Amy emphasizes the significance of understanding community needs and tailoring editorial and business strategies accordingly.

Key takeaways include the potential for local news to act as a community connector, the value of arts and culture coverage, and the need for sustainable support systems for small news organizations.

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10/04/2024

🚀 Episode 30 of the Local News Matters Podcast with John Garrett of Community Impact is out!

Growing print (and newsletters) in the digital age. Serving all residents regardless of socioeconomic status. Business news as reader catnip and community service. Making time to cover civic meetings. Burnout among leaders. Competing for advertising.

Host Tim Regan-Porter's conversation with John Garrett covers these and more in exploring one of the industry's remarkable success stories of the past decade.

04/04/2024

🚀 Episode 29 of Local News Matters Podcast is out!

How can local media stand out in an advertising space crowded with digital agencies? Host Tim Regan-Porter's conversation with Shannon Kinney of Dream Local Digital explores leveraging trust, history, and storytelling to thrive in digital advertising. Find out how legacy publications can adapt and shine.

Shannon Kinney, founder of Dream Local Digital, discusses the evolving landscape of digital advertising and how trust is also a secret sauce for news media in selling advertising. With her extensive experience and accolades, including serving on the board for the Local Media Association and being na...

28/03/2024

🎧 Kelly Ann Scott on making room for work that has real impact:

"As a news organization, one of the things we do is we make choices on a daily basis as to what we do do and what we don't do. And what we decided we were gonna do on AL.com is really double down on stories that change lives, laws, and minds....

That that's been a conscious decision. We do that in lieu of other things. We don't have a lot of the mid-level stories. We don't cover events on the same way that we used to…. We we choose what we wanna do, and we get in front of those things….

I will also say we have we've we've radically reshaped how we think about our planning, our workflow… Because I also think if you don't get in front of the daily news cycle, it eats you. And that's probably one of the more important choices that news organizations need to make is, how will I get in front of that daily news cycle? That's what you build your brand on.

https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/exit-interview-kelly-ann-scott-and-the-digital-reinvention-of-alabama-media-group-lnm-episode-26/

Local News Matters Podcast Episode #26: The Digital Reinvention of Alabama Media Group

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27/03/2024

🚀 Episode 26 of Local News Matters Podcast with Larry Ryckman of The Colorado Sun is out!

Larry shares insights into the digital outlet’s journey. Transitioning to a nonprofit model on its 5th anniversary, The Colorado Sun has not only survived but thrived, garnering national attention for its approach to news coverage and its business model. With more individual members than the much-lauded , The Colorado Sun's strategy for growing reader revenue without a paywall is a testament to its commitment to accessible journalism.

Ryckman delves into the founding of The Colorado Sun. He discusses the challenges and learnings from moving away from the page view business to focus on engaging content that resonates with readers, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and community in the digital age.

The conversation also covers The Sun's business model, which balances memberships, advertising, and grants, setting a sustainable path forward for nonprofit newsrooms. Ryckman's personal journey from a seasoned journalist to navigating the business side of running a news outlet offers valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of quality journalism.

Larry Ryckman, editor and co-founder of The Colorado Sun, shares insights into the digital outlet’s journey. Transitioning to a nonprofit model on its fifth anniversary, The Colorado Sun has not only survived but thrived, garnering national attention for its approach to news coverage and its busin...

22/12/2023

“So when you're thinking about automation in your local news outlet, make sure you're automating the stuff that will make a huge difference to your audience and any repetitive tasks that are high value to your audience, but don't really require human intelligence, or human to human intelligence, or data gathering, or a lot of discernment from the reporter.”

In the latest episode of the Local News Matters Podcast, Tim Regan-Porter sits down with Dan Grech from BizHack. The conversation highlights the potential of AI to influence storytelling and marketing, its impacts on journalism and local news, and the changes it could bring about. Grech and Regan-Porter discuss various practical AI use cases for journalists, including processing police reports, automated translation of weather reports, and creating transcripts of public meetings. They emphasize the importance of “human in the loop” in AI applications and the need for journalists to adapt to new tools and methodologies.

To listen to the full episode, click the link below.

https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/ai-in-the-newsroom-practical-uses-for-todays-journalists-with-dan-grech-lnm-episode-25/

15/12/2023

"There are always in every job, some mundane tasks. And so the more that you can find high value to your audience, but low value provided by the reporter tasks, that's a good task that's eligible for automation."

Dan Grech of BizHack Academy is back to help us explore practical uses of AI for today's journalists with host Tim Regan-Porter.

Listen now and let us know what you’ve tried and what we've missed. (Click below).

Dan Grech joins host Tim Regan-Porter again to explore the practical applications of AI in journalism. This episode delves into how AI tools are currently being used in newsrooms to free up time for journalists and better service audiences. The conversation highlights the potential of AI to influenc...

29/11/2023

"We're not just covering a community. We are the community."

In the new episode of the Local News Matters podcast, URL Media Co-Founders, Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita, talk with host Tim Regan-Porter and discuss how URL Media supports and empowers independent media Black and Brown communities.

They delve into the unique relationship that ethnic media have with their audiences. The trust inherent in that relationship is a cornerstone in providing nuanced and community-centric journalism. URL Media was founded in the wake of the racial reckoning of 2020, and we discuss the unfulfilled promises from that time and the systemic barriers that persist in various institutions, including the media. They emphasize the importance of trust over scale in journalism and critique the mainstream media's approach to objectivity, which often creates distance and alienation.

In this candid discussion, Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita, co-founders of URL Media, delve into the network's mission to support and empower independent media serving Black and Brown communities. Now in its fourth year, URL Media aims to address the gaps and challenges faced by these media entrepren...

27/11/2023

Today we are reflecting on the time Charity Huff CEO of January Spring and Managing Partner at Maroon Ventures, and host, Tim Regan-Porter, explored the latest trends in digital advertising and how they impact local news outlets. They also discuss the unique ad product launched by the Colorado Press Association, News Audience Retargeting, which helps advertisers reach their target audience more effectively and provides a quick primer on digital advertising for those who don’t know their OTT from their DSP. Don’t miss out on this episode on the ever-evolving ad market, and how newsrooms can respond to build stronger businesses and serve their communities.

Click the link below to listen to the full episode!

https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/digital-advertising-trends-strategies-with-charity-huff-ceo-of-january-spring-lnm-episode-10/

17/11/2023

Today, we are reflecting on the time Tim Regan-Porter sat down with our guest, Michael Bolden, to explore journalism’s importance for democracy, the need to listen with humility, the need to build healthy and supportive cultures, the role of metrics in news, and much more.

Click the link below to listen to this inspiring episode!

https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/a-holistic-vision-for-local-news-ecosystems-with-michael-bolden-ceo-of-the-american-press-institute/

14/11/2023

AI and journalism. What does one have to do with the other? Listen to Tim chat with guest, Dan Grech, to learn more.

They explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and journalism. Dan shares his unique perspective on the potential of AI to transform storytelling, marketing, and more. While also discussing the emotional, personal, and ethical implications of his transition from journalism to business. The conversation delves into the potential impacts of AI on journalism and local news, the unique value that human intelligence provides, and the transformative potential of AI.

Click the link below to listen to the full episode!

https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/navigating-the-ai-revolution-in-journalism-a-conversation-with-dan-grech-lnm-episode-15/

10/11/2023

Today we are reflecting on and highlighting our latest podcast episode, with our guest, Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro. What are your thoughts about this episode? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and click the link below to listen to this episode!

https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/preserving-the-local-in-local-news-with-the-national-trust-for-local-news-elizabeth-hansen-shapiro/